Pedestrian-vehicle warning systems for loading docks

ABSTRACT

Example safety systems for use at a loading dock are disclosed. An example safety system includes a sensor installed at the loading dock. The sensor provides a feedback signal in response to sensing the vehicle. An alarm device is mounted below a lowest elevation of the doorway. The alarm device is positioned between the first lateral plane and the second lateral plane of the doorway. An alarm signal is emitted by the alarm device in response to the feedback signal.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to safety systems for loadingdocks and, more specifically, to pedestrian-vehicle warning systems forloading docks.

BACKGROUND

Loading docks provide an area for vehicles (e.g., trucks, trailers,etc.) to back up next to an elevated platform of a building so thatcargo can be readily transferred between the vehicle and the building.Some loading docks include equipment, such as dock levelers and vehiclerestraints. Dock levelers provide an adjustable bridge between theplatform and a cargo bed of the vehicle. To prevent the vehicle fromprematurely moving away from the platform, vehicle restraints areusually employed to engage a RIG (rear impact guard of the truck ortrailer), a wheel, or some other feature of the vehicle.

To reduce the likelihood of a truck accidentally striking personnel thatmight be in the area (e.g., behind the vehicle), some loading docks havevehicle and/or personnel sensing systems. Although such systems mightdetermine whether a person is within a certain area while a vehicle ispresent, current systems fail to take advantage of mounting locationsand/or electrical power sources of existing equipment normally installedat loading docks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example safety system constructed inaccordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the example safety system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view similar to FIG. 2 but showing an alternateconfiguration of some dock leveler equipment that may be used with theexample safety systems disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a top view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing some portions of FIG. 2 enlarged.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing some portions of FIG. 3 enlarged.

FIG. 7 is a side view similar to FIG. 2 but showing another examplesafety systems constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosedherein.

FIG. 8 is a side view similar to FIG. 3 but showing another examplesafety system constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosedherein.

FIG. 9 is a front view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the example safetysystem of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an example display arrangement for examplealarm devices disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 is a front view of another example display arrangement forexample alarm devices disclosed herein.

FIG. 12 is a front view of another example display arrangement forexample alarm devices disclosed herein.

FIG. 13 is a front view of another example display arrangement forexample alarm devices disclosed herein.

FIG. 14 is a front view of another example display arrangement forexample alarm devices disclosed herein.

FIG. 15 is a front view of yet another example display arrangement forexample alarm devices disclosed herein.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an example alarm device constructed inaccordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 17 is a right-front view of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a back view of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a right view of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a left view of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a top view of FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of FIG. 17.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another example alarm deviceconstructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 24 is a right-front view of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a back view of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a right view of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a left view of FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 is a top view of FIG. 24.

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of FIG. 24.

FIG. 30 is a side view of another example safety system with anotherexample vehicle restraint disclosed herein and showing the examplevehicle restraint in a blocking position.

FIG. 31 is a side view similar to FIG. 30 but showing the examplevehicle restraint in a release position.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 32 but showing anotherexample safety system with another example vehicle restraint disclosedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example safety systems for use at a loading dock are disclosed herein.The example safety systems may be employed with loading docks that areconfigured to receive a vehicle (e.g., truck or trailer) approaching adoorway of the dock. The example safety systems may be used to avoidpedestrian-vehicle collisions at loading docks. The example safetysystems disclosed herein may include an alarm device and/or a signaldevice. For example, the signal device, in response to feedback from asensor associated with a vehicle restraint at the dock, alerts thevehicle's driver whether the vehicle restraint is configured to receiveand/or restrain the vehicle. The alarm device, on the other hand, alertsor warns a nearby dockworker of an approaching vehicle. The alarm deviceemits an alarm signal (e.g., visual signal, an audio signal, flashinglights, colored lights, etc.) in response to feedback from a sensor thatdetects the vehicle. The signal device, the alarm device and the sensorare strategically placed or positioned to provide the dockworker with aprominent warning without sending the driver mixed messages frommultiple devices. In some examples, the alarm device moves to aprogressing hidden position from the view point of the vehicle's driveras the vehicle approaches the doorway.

FIGS. 1-15 and 30-33 show examples of a safety system 10 that includesan alarm device 12 (e.g., alarm devices 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d, 12 e, 12f and 12 g) for use at a loading dock 14 where a vehicle 16 (e.g., atruck, a trailer, etc.) can be loaded or unloaded of its cargo at adoorway 15. The alarm device 12 is used concurrently with a separatesignal device 18, which is also installed at the dock 14. The alarmdevice 12 of the illustrated example provides a warning to a pedestrian20 (e.g., a dockworker) of an approaching vehicle 16 backing into dock14, and the signal device 18 informs the vehicle's driver as to whethera vehicle restraint 22 (e.g., RIG-engaging vehicle restraint 22 a orwheel-engaging vehicle restraints 22 b, 22 c and 22 d) at the dock 14 isconfigured to receive and/or restrain the vehicle 16.

The alarm device 12 of the illustrated example emits an alarm signal 24(visual signal 24 a and/or audible signal 24 b) in response to afeedback signal 26 from a sensor 28 that detects the vehicle 16 at thedock 14. The sensor 28 may be any device (e.g., motion detector,touchless sensor) that provides a feedback signal in response todetecting the presence or movement of vehicle 16 without having tophysically contact the vehicle 16. In some examples, the sensor 28provides the feedback signal 26 in response to sensing the vehicle 16moving toward the doorway 15.

The sensor 28 detecting vehicle presence or movement operates under oneor more various known principles, examples of which include, but are notlimited to, active infrared, passive infrared, ultrasonic, radar,microwave, laser, electromagnetic induction, ultra-IR LED,time-of-flight pulse ranging technology, photoelectric eye, thermal,video analytics, and various combinations thereof. Some specific sensorexamples include, but are not limited to, a model BEA LZR, a model BEASparrow, a model BEA Falcon, a model LZR-i100, a model BEA LZR-i30, amodel UC4000 Ultrasonic Sensor, and a model R2100 Multi-Beam LEDScanner. The BEA LXR examples are products of BEA Industrial of Belgium,and the R2100 and the UC400 examples are products of Pepperl & Fuchs ofGermany.

The signal device 18, on the other hand, operates in response to afeedback signal 30 from a vehicle restraint sensor 32 that senses thestatus or configuration of vehicle restraint 22. The feedback signal 30between the sensor 32 and the signal device 18 may be communicativelyconveyed via wireless communication and/or hardwire communication. Thesensor 32 determines whether the vehicle restraint 22 is configured inan operative vehicle-restraining configuration (e.g., FIGS. 6 and 8) orconfigured in a release configuration (FIGS. 5 and 9) to receive orrelease the vehicle 16. In some examples, the signal device 18 emits agenerally red light 18 a when the vehicle restraint 22 is in theoperative vehicle-restraining configuration (FIG. 6) and emits agenerally green light 18 b when the vehicle restraint 22 is in therelease configuration (FIG. 5). In some examples, the sensor 32 sensesthe position of a vehicle-blocking barrier 34 of the vehicle restraint22. Examples of the sensor 32 include, but are not limited to, anelectromechanical limit switch, a pressure switch, a proximity switch,an encoder, and/or a current sensor and/or any other sensing apparatusor means (e.g., for determining the configuration of the vehiclerestraint 22).

The alarm signal 24 of the illustrated example emits a signaldistinguishably different from the signal of the signal device 18. Forexample, in examples where the signal device 18 selectively emits a redor green light, the alarm signal 24 of the illustrated example does notemit a red light or a green light. Examples of the alarm signal 24include, but are not limited to, a visual signal such as one or morelights (e.g., other than red or green if red or green is emitted by thesignal device 18), a flashing light, a colored light, an audible signal,a graphical display, a horn, and/or various combinations thereof. Insome examples, the alarm signal 24 may be projected downward toilluminate an area on a driveway 42 to provide the pedestrian of awarning. In some examples, the alarm signal 24 may include an audiosignal or alarm in the form of a horn. To prevent the alarm device 12and the signal device 18 from sending or emitting mixed messages to thedriver of the vehicle 16, the alarm device 12 is mounted at a strategiclocation that is prominently visible to the pedestrian 20 but isgenerally hidden from the driver's view (e.g., through a rear viewmirror). To further enhance this effect, some examples of the alarmdevice 12 descend or otherwise move so as to become progressively hiddenas vehicle 16 travels from an approach position (FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 7)toward a parked position at the dock 14 (FIGS. 3 and 6). The alarmdevice 12 a, for example, is mounted to a moving portion of the vehiclerestraint 22 a such that the alarm device 12 a moves from a raisedposition (FIG. 5) to a lowered position (FIG. 6) in response to thevehicle 16 backing into the dock 14. While the alarm device 12 adescends, some examples of the sensor 28 remain at a fixed position toensure that the sensor 28 continues to effectively sense a presence ormovement of the vehicle 16.

In the illustrated examples, the alarm device 12 is installed below thedoorway 15 of the dock 14 and within the doorway's width 36 (e.g.,between lateral edges of the doorway 14). With the alarm device 12mounted in a generally low, central location directly behind the vehicle16 (or at least behind or below a portion of vehicle 16), the vehicle 16blocks the driver's view of the alarm device 12. In addition, suchmounting location is ideal for warning the pedestrian 20 because it isin this area that the pedestrian 20 might be hidden from the driver'sview and, thus, more likely to be struck by the vehicle 16 backing intothe dock 14. The signal device 18, on the other hand, is mounted at amuch higher location and beyond the doorway's width 36 so that thedriver can maintain sight of the signal device 18 even after the vehicle16 has backed (e.g., fully backed) into the dock 14. For example, thesignal device 18 of the illustrated example is positioned adjacent alateral edge of the doorway 15 (e.g., upper right-hand corner of thedoorway 15 in the orientation of FIG. 1).

Although the alarm device 12 and the signal device 18 can be installedat any type of loading dock, the illustrated example of the dock 14includes the doorway 15 in a wall 38, an interior platform 40, and alower exterior driveway 42. The wall 38 and the doorway 15 are generallybetween the platform 40 and the driveway 42. The driveway 42 providesthe vehicle 16 with a path (e.g., a vehicle travel path) leading to thedoorway 15. An exterior or forward-facing surface 44 of the wall 38extends vertically between the driveway 42 and the platform 40. Theterm, “forward-facing” is with reference to a forward direction 46,which is opposite to a rearward direction 48, perpendicular to wall 38,and points from the doorway 15 to the vehicle 16 when the vehicle 16 isin a parked position. A lateral direction 50 is horizontal andperpendicular to the forward direction 46.

The doorway 15 has an upper edge 52 extending horizontally betweenvertical lateral edges (a first lateral edge 54 and a second lateraledge 56). A lower boundary 58 of the doorway 15 is defined by an uppersurface of the platform 40 and/or an upper surface 60 of a pivotal deck62 of a dock leveler 64 installed at the dock 14. The lateral edges 54and 56 define the width 36 of the doorway 15. The first lateral edge 54lies along a first lateral plane 66, and second lateral edge 56 liesalong a second lateral plane 68, where the lateral planes 66 and 68 aresubstantially perpendicular to the wall 38. The term, “plane” is aspatial geometric term and so it is not necessarily an actual physicalstructure.

The interior platform 40 is preferably at about the same elevation as acargo bed 70 of the vehicle 16 to facilitate transferring cargo betweenthe platform 40 and the vehicle 16. To further facilitate the transferof cargo, illustrated examples of the dock 14 include the dock leveler64, the vehicle restraint 22, and/or the bumpers 72. The bumpers 72reduce impact forces imparted by the vehicle 16 and establish a properlyparked position of the vehicle 16 relative to the surface 44 and thedock leveler 22.

In the illustrated example, the dock leveler 64 has a stationary dockleveler frame 74 installed within a pit 76 of the platform 40. The dockleveler 64 also includes the deck 62, which has a rear edge 78 pivotallycoupled to the frame 74. A pivotal connection 80 at the rear edge 78allows the deck 62 to pivot so that a height of the deck's front edge 82can be adjusted (e.g., raised or lowered) to generally match or alignwith the height of the vehicle's cargo bed 70. A pivotal or otherwiseextendible lip 84 extends from deck 62 to span a gap between the deck'sfront edge 82 and the vehicle's cargo bed 70. In this manner, the deck62 and the lip 84 provide an adjustable bridge between the platform 40and the vehicle's cargo bed 70 so that personnel and/or materialhandling equipment can readily travel between the platform 40 and thebed 70.

To prevent vehicle 16 from prematurely departing dock 14 during loadingand/or unloading operations, some examples of the vehicle restraint 22include a stationary track 86, a frame 88, a track follower 90 (e.g.,rollers or guide blocks) to guide the movement of frame 88 along track86, the barrier 34 (e.g., a hook or other suitable obstruction)pivotally or otherwise movably coupled to the frame 88, a drive unit 92(e.g., an electric motor, drive shaft, sprockets, roller chain, coggedtiming belt, drive train, etc.) to move the barrier 34 relative to theframe 88, and a vehicle restraint housing 94 to shelter, house or guardthe drive unit 92 and/or shelter, house or guard other vehicle restraintcomponents (e.g., an electrical wire 96, a limit switch, a sensor, thevehicle restraint sensor 32, etc.). The drive unit 92 is powered to movebarrier 34 between a blocking position (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 6) and arelease position (e.g., FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7), thereby configuringvehicle restraint 22 a selectively to an operative configuration (FIGS.3 and 6) and a stored configuration (e.g., FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7),respectively.

To change the vehicle restraint 22 a from the stored configuration tothe operative configuration, the drive unit 92 rotates the barrier 34(e.g., in an upward direction) in front of the vehicle's rear impactguard 98 to create an obstruction to inhibit the vehicle 16 fromprematurely departing the dock 14. The barrier 34 rotates (e.g., in adownward direction) to the release position to configure the vehiclerestraint 22 a to the stored configuration. When the vehicle restraint22 a is in the stored configuration with the barrier 34 in the releaseposition, the vehicle 16 is free to enter or leave the dock 14 withoutsignificant resistance or obstruction from the vehicle restraint 22 a.

In the illustrated examples, the frame 88 and thus all of the vehiclerestraint components carried by the frame 88 are vertically movablerelative to the track 86. In some examples, a spring force urges theframe 88 to an uppermost position shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 7. As thevehicle 16 backs into the dock 14, the rear impact guard 98 slides alongan inclined surface 100 of the frame 88 to push the frame 88 (e.g.,downward) underneath the rear impact guard 98, as shown in FIGS. 3 and6. Once the vehicle 16 is at the parked position, the drive unit 92moves or lifts the barrier 34 to the blocking position. In someexamples, the bumpers 72 mounted to the wall 38 and/or to the dockleveler frame 74 establish the vehicle's properly parked position. Thebumpers 72 are only shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 to avoid cluttering theillustration of other features of the dock leveler 64 and the vehiclerestraint 22.

FIGS. 1, 7, 8 and 9 show various example mounting locations of the alarmdevice 12, the sensor 28, and the signal device 18. Each of theillustrated example mounting locations of the alarm device 12 is withinan area below the doorway 15, above the driveway 42, and between the twolateral planes 66 and 68 (e.g., the lateral edges 54 and 56 of thedoorway 15). In the illustrated example, the alarm device 12 includes aplurality of alarm devices 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and 12 d. More specifically,one or more alarm devices 12 a are attached to the vehicle restraint 22a, one or more alarm devices 12 b are attached to the driveway 42 and/orto the wall 38, one or more alarm devices 12 c are attached to the frame74 of the dock leveler 64, and/or one or more alarm devices 12 d areattached to one or more wheel chock style vehicle restraints 22 b. Insome examples, only a single alarm device 12 a, 12 b, 12 c or 12 d isinstalled at the dock 14 at just one of the example mounting locations(e.g., as shown in FIG. 1).

In some examples, the alarm device 12 a is housed within the sameenclosure 102 that shelters or houses one or more vehicle restraintcomponents of the vehicle restraint 22. The terms, “housing,”“enclosure” and their derivatives are equivalent and usedinterchangeably, and these terms refer to any shelter or encasement toat least partially shield or guard one or more internal components from,for example, external elements (e.g., the weather). The term, “vehiclerestraint component” refers to any part of the vehicle restraint.Examples of a vehicle restraint component include, but are not limitedto, a frame, a housing, an enclosure, a barrier, an electrical wire, anelectrical conductor, a drive unit, a sensor, and/or a guide trackrelated part. In some examples, the alarm device 12 a is mounted to thetrack 86, which is substantially stationary. In some examples, the alarmdevice 12 a and the drive unit 92 share the same enclosure 102, whichreduces the part count of the vehicle restraint 22 a and thus reducesthe manufacturing cost of the vehicle restraint 22 a.

To further reduce manufacturing costs, some examples of the safetysystem 10 disclosed herein have the alarm device 12 electrically wiredto the vehicle restraint 22. A first item being “electrically wired” toa second item means that an electrical conductor conveys electricitybetween the two items. In some examples, an alarm device beingelectrically wired to a vehicle restraint means that an electricalconductor (e.g., the wire 96) conveys electricity from the vehiclerestraint (e.g., from an electric motor or from some other electricalcomponent of the vehicle restraint) to power the alarm device, or viceversa. The term, “electrical component” refers to any part that uses orconveys electricity.

In addition or alternatively, some examples of the safety system 10disclosed herein have reduced manufacturing and installation costs byhaving the sensor 28 electrically wired to the signal device 18. In someexamples, a sensor being electrically wired to a signal device meansthat an electrical conductor (e.g., a wire 104) conveys electricitybetween the sensor and the signal device. In some examples,manufacturing and installation costs are further reduced by having thesensor 28 and the signal device 18 share a common enclosure 106. In someexamples, the enclosure 106 includes a sensor housing 106 a mountedadjacent to a signal housing 106 b, which provides an advantage somewhatsimilar to that provided by a single enclosure 106.

In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the alarm device 12 d isinstalled within a wheel-chock style vehicle restraint 22 b. In thisexample, the vehicle restraint 22 b is manually or otherwise placedselectively in front of a wheel 108 of the vehicle 16 to restrain thevehicle 16 and prevent the vehicle 16 from prematurely departing thedock 14. In some examples, a wireless communication link (e.g., radiowaves, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) conveys the feedback signal 26 from thesensor 28 to the alarm device 12 d. Some examples of the vehiclerestraint 22 b include the vehicle restraint sensor 32 configured tosense the presence of the vehicle's wheel 108. Wireless communication,in some examples, conveys the feedback signal 30 to the signal device18.

In some examples where the alarm device 12 includes one or more lights110 to emit an alarm signal 24 a, the lights 110 are LEDs (lightemitting diodes), which are particularly tough and resistant tomechanical shock and rough handling. This can be an important feature inexamples where the alarm device 12 is movable and/or subject tovibration due to movement of the vehicle 16 and/or the normal operationof the dock leveler 64 and/or the vehicle restraint 22.

FIGS. 10-15 show various designs and configurations of the alarm device12. FIG. 10 shows the alarm device 12 having a display arrangement 112 aincluding (e.g., three) lights 110 behind a clear lens 114 attached to asupporting structure 116. Examples of the supporting structure 116include, but are not limited to, a vehicle restraint housing/enclosure(e.g., alarm device 12 a and 12 d), a separate housing/enclosure (e.g.,the alarm device 12 b), and the frame 74 of the dock leveler 64 (e.g.,alarm device 12 c). FIG. 11 shows a display arrangement 112 b with(e.g., three) lights 110 behind a generally rectangular or circular lens118 attached to the backside of the supporting structure 116. FIG. 12shows a display arrangement 112 c similar to the display arrangement 112a of FIG. 10 but with an external faceplate 120 used to mount the lens114 to the supporting structure 116. FIG. 13 shows a display arrangement112 d similar to the display arrangements 112 a and 112 c but with aback-plate 122 used to mount a semi-cylindrical lens 124 to thesupporting structure 116. FIG. 14 shows a display arrangement 112 ewhere the alarm signal 24 is in the form of an example graphical display124. FIG. 15 shows a display arrangement 112 f where the signal 24 is inthe form of another example graphical display 126. In some examples, thedisplays 124 and 126 are backlit panels that are at least partiallytransparent or translucent.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of one example of the alarm device 12a. FIG. 17 shows a front view the example alarm device 12 a of FIG. 16.FIG. 18 shows a back view of the example alarm device 12 a of FIG. 17.FIG. 19 shows a right view of the example alarm device 12 a of FIG. 17.FIG. 20 shows a left view of the example alarm device 12 a of FIG. 17.FIG. 21 shows a top view of the example alarm device 12 a of FIG. 17.FIG. 22 shows a bottom view of the example alarm device 12 a of FIG. 17.

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of one example of the alarm device 12b. FIG. 24 shows a front view of the example alarm device 12 b of FIG.23. FIG. 25 shows a back view of the example alarm device 12 b of FIG.24. FIG. 26 shows a right view of the example alarm device 12 b of FIG.24. FIG. 27 shows a left view of the example alarm device 12 b of FIG.24. FIG. 28 shows a top view of the example alarm device 12 b of FIG.24. FIG. 29 shows a bottom view of the example alarm device 12 b of FIG.24.

In some examples, the visual signal 12 a of the alarm device 12 b may beprovided by a downward facing light (e.g., positioned underneath ahousing of the alarm device 12 b, or titled downward from a side of thehousing). For example, the downward facing light may project the visualsignal 12 a in the form of a light or a warning signal (e.g., a lighthaving a particular shape or indicia) onto the driveway 42 (e.g., at anarea adjacent the alarm device 12 b). For example, in FIG. 23, the alarmdevice 12 b includes a plurality of visual signals 24 a to be providedby lights 110. For example, the example alarm device 12 b of FIG. 23includes lights 110 projected in an upward direction from a front (e.g.,tapered) surface of a housing 116 of the alarm device 12 b. Thus, thefront-facing lights 110 may be out of the view point of to a pedestrianstanding adjacent a side of the alarm device 12 b (e.g., behind thefront surface (e.g., between the front surface and the wall 18)).However, the alarm device 12 b (and any other alarm devices disclosedherein) includes the visual signal 24 a to be provided via a lightlocated at a bottom surface of the housing 116 and the light is toproject the visual signal 24 a onto the driveway 42, which can bevisible to a pedestrian standing to the side of the example alarm device12 b. In some examples, the alarm device 12 b may include an audiosignal in the form of a horn.

In addition or alternatively, some examples of the safety system 10include other types of wheel-engaging vehicle restraints and/or alarmdevice mounting locations. FIGS. 30-32, for example, shows awheel-engaging vehicle restraint 22 c including an upper track 130, alower track 132, a trolley 134 driven to travel along the lower track132, a barrier support 136 coupled to the trolley 134, and a barrier 138extending laterally from the barrier support 136. The trolley 134 movesthe barrier 138 and the barrier support 136 along the upper track 130between a stored configuration (FIG. 31) and an operative configuration(FIGS. 30 and 32). In the operative configuration, the barrier 138engages the wheel 108 to restrain the vehicle 16 at the dock 14. In thestored configuration, the vehicle 16 is generally free to enter andleave the dock 14 without significant resistance from the barrier 138.

In the example shown in FIGS. 30-32, the alarm device 12 e can bemounted at a fixed location below the doorway 15, but not necessarilybetween the doorway's two planes 66 and 68 or lateral edges 54 and 56.In the illustrated example, the alarm device 12 e is mounted or coupledto the upper track 130. In other examples, the alarm device 12 e ismounted at some other fixed or movable location. The alarm device 12 f,for instance, is mounted to and travels with the trolley 134.Communication between the sensor 28 and the alarm devices 12 e and 12 fis substantially the same as the wireless and/or hardwired communicationdescribed with reference to alarm devices 12 a-12 d.

In the example shown in FIG. 33, a wheel-engaging vehicle restraint 22 dincludes a track 140 and a barrier 142. The track 140 is (e.g.,horizontally) elongate similar to the upper track 130 of FIGS. 30 and31. The barrier 142 is movable (e.g., horizontally) in a forward andrearward direction along the track 140 so that the barrier 142 can beplaced in front of the wheel 108. The barrier 142 is further rotatableabout the track 140 between a wheel-blocking operative position (e.g.,the barrier 142 shown in solid lines) and a stored configuration (e.g.,the barrier 142 shown in phantom lines). In the illustrated example, thealarm device 12 g is mounted at a generally fixed location below thedoorway 15, but not necessarily between the doorway's planes 66 and 68or lateral edges 54 and 56. In some examples, the alarm device 12 g ismounted to a movable portion of the vehicle restraint 22 d.Communication between the sensor 28 and the alarm device 12 g issubstantially the same as the wireless and/or hardwired communicationdescribed with reference to the alarm devices 12 a-12 d. Additionaldetails of wheel-engaging vehicle restraints 22 c and 22 d are disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,905,198; 8,499,897; 6,773,221; and 5,762,459; all ofwhich are specifically incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

At least some of the aforementioned examples include one or morefeatures and/or benefits including, but not limited to, the following:

In some examples, a safety system includes a sensor installed at theloading dock. In some such examples, the sensor provides a feedbacksignal in response to sensing the vehicle. In some such examples, analarm device is mounted at a lower elevation than that of the doorway.In some such examples, the alarm device is between the first lateralplane and the second lateral plane of the doorway. In some suchexamples, an alarm signal is emitted by the alarm device in response tothe feedback signal.

In some examples, the vehicle is movable in a rearward direction from anapproach position to a parked position, where the vehicle is closer tothe wall when the vehicle is in the parked position than when thevehicle is in the approach position. In some such examples, the alarmdevice is at a higher elevation when the vehicle is at the approachposition than when the vehicle is at the parked position.

In some examples, the alarm device is movable selectively to a raisedposition and a lowered position relative to the wall.

In some examples, the alarm device is movable selectively to a raisedposition and a lowered position relative to the touchless sensor.

In some examples, a vehicle restraint is installed at the loading dock.In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is configured selectivelyto a stored configuration and an operative configuration. In someexamples, the vehicle restraint has a vehicle restraint component thatis higher when the vehicle restraint is in the stored configuration thanwhen the vehicle restraint is in the operative configuration. In somesuch examples, the alarm device is attached to and movable with thevehicle restraint component.

In some examples, a vehicle restraint is installed at the loading dock.In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is configured selectivelyto a stored configuration and an operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint has a vehicle restraint housing that ishigher relative to a ground vehicle travel surface when the vehiclerestraint is in the stored configuration than when the vehicle restraintis in the operative configuration. In some such examples, the vehiclerestraint housing shelters an electrical wire of the vehicle restraint.In some such examples, the alarm device is attached to and movable withthe vehicle restraint housing.

In some examples, a vehicle restraint is installed at the loading dock.In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is configured selectivelyto a stored configuration and an operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint is disengaged from the vehicle when thevehicle restraint is in the stored configuration. In some such examples,the vehicle restraint engages and restrains the vehicle when the vehiclerestraint is in the operative configuration. In some such examples, asignal device emits selectively a generally red light and a generallygreen light. In some such examples, the generally green light indicatesthe vehicle restraint is in the stored configuration and the generallyred light indicates the vehicle restraint is in the operativeconfiguration. In some such examples, a first enclosure housing thesignal device. In some such examples, a second enclosure housing thealarm device. In some such examples, the second enclosure is spacedapart from the first enclosure, and the first enclosure is at a higherelevation than the second enclosure.

In some examples, the sensor is electrically wired to the signal device,and the sensor is closer to the signal device than to the alarm device.

In some such examples, a vehicle restraint is installed at the loadingdock. In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is configuredselectively to a stored configuration and an operative configuration. Insome such examples, the vehicle restraint is disengaged from the vehiclewhen the vehicle restraint is in the stored configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint engages the vehicle when the vehiclerestraint is in the operative configuration. In some such examples, thealarm device is electrically coupled to the vehicle restraint.

In some examples, a vehicle restraint is installed at the loading dock.In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is configured selectivelyto a stored configuration and an operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint is disengaged from the vehicle when thevehicle restraint is in the stored configuration. In some such examples,the vehicle restraint engages the vehicle when the vehicle restraint isin the operative configuration. In some such examples, the alarm deviceis closer to the vehicle restraint than to the sensor.

In some examples, the alarm signal is a graphical display.

In some examples, a vehicle restraint is installed at the loading dock.In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is to selectively engageand disengage the vehicle. In some such examples, the alarm device iscarried by the vehicle restraint. In some such examples, the alarmdevice includes a light-emitting diode having sufficient mechanicalshock resistance to withstand a mechanical shock produced by the vehiclerestraint when engaging and disengaging the vehicle.

In some examples, a dock leveler is at the doorway. In some suchexamples, the dock leveler includes a dock leveler frame that issubstantially stationary and a deck pivotally coupled to the dockleveler frame. In some such examples, the alarm device is attached tothe dock leveler frame.

In some examples, a safety system includes a sensor installed at asubstantially fixed location at the loading dock. In some such examples,the sensor provides a feedback signal in response to sensing thevehicle. In some such examples, an alarm device is mounted at theloading dock and is configured to receive the feedback signal from thesensor. In some such examples, the alarm device is movable relative tothe sensor in response to the vehicle approaching the doorway. In somesuch examples, an alarm signal is emitted by the alarm device inresponse to the feedback signal.

In some examples, the vehicle is movable in a rearward direction from anapproach position to a parked position. In some such examples, thevehicle is closer to the wall when the vehicle is in the parked positionthan when the vehicle is in the approach position. In some suchexamples, the alarm device is at a higher elevation relative to groundwhen the vehicle is at the approach position than when the vehicle is atthe parked position.

In some examples, a vehicle restraint is installed at the loading dock.In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is configured selectivelyto a stored configuration and an operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint has a vehicle restraint component thatis at a higher elevation relative to ground when the vehicle restraintis in the stored configuration than when the vehicle restraint is in theoperative configuration. In some such examples, the alarm device isattached to and movable with the vehicle restraint component.

In some examples, a vehicle restraint is installed at the loading dock.In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is configured selectivelyto a stored configuration and an operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint has a vehicle restraint housing havingan elevation relative to ground that is higher when the vehiclerestraint is in the stored configuration than when the vehicle restraintis in the operative configuration. In some such examples, the vehiclerestraint housing houses an electrical wire of the vehicle restraint. Insome such examples, the alarm device is attached to and movable with thevehicle restraint housing.

In some examples, a vehicle restraint is installable at the loadingdock. In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is configurableselectively to a stored configuration and an operative configuration. Insome such examples, the vehicle restraint is to disengage the vehiclewhen the vehicle restraint is in the stored configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint is to engage and restrain the vehiclewhen the vehicle restraint is in the operative configuration. In somesuch examples, a signal device is to emit selectively a generally redlight and a generally green light. In some such examples, the generallygreen light to indicate the vehicle restraint is in the storedconfiguration and the generally red light to indicate the vehiclerestraint is in the operative configuration. In some such examples, afirst enclosure houses the signal device. In some such examples, asecond enclosure houses the alarm device. In some such examples, thesecond enclosure is spaced apart from the first enclosure. In some suchexamples, the first enclosure is positioned at a higher elevationrelative to ground than the second enclosure.

In some examples, the sensor is electrically wired to the signal device,and the sensor is closer to the signal device than to the alarm device.

In some examples, a vehicle restraint is installed at the loading dock.In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is configured selectivelyto a stored configuration and an operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint is to disengage the vehicle when thevehicle restraint is in the stored configuration. In some such examples,the vehicle restraint is to engage the vehicle when the vehiclerestraint is in the operative configuration. In some such examples, thealarm device is electrically coupled to the vehicle restraint.

In some examples, a vehicle restraint is installed at the loading dock.In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is configured selectivelyto a stored configuration and an operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint is to disengage the vehicle when thevehicle restraint is in the stored configuration. In some such examples,the vehicle restraint is to engage the vehicle when the vehiclerestraint is in the operative configuration. In some such examples, thealarm device is closer to the vehicle restraint than to the sensor.

In some examples, a safety system includes a sensor installable at theloading dock. In some such examples, the sensor is to provide a feedbacksignal in response to sensing the vehicle. In some such examples, analarm device is to be electrically wired to the electrical component ofthe vehicle restraint. In some such examples, the alarm device isconfigured to receive the feedback signal from the sensor. In some suchexamples, an alarm signal is emitted by the alarm device in response tothe feedback signal.

In some examples, the vehicle is movable in a rearward direction from anapproach position to a parked position. In some such examples, thevehicle is closer to the wall when the vehicle is in the parked positionthan when the vehicle is in the approach position. In some suchexamples, the alarm device is at a higher elevation when the vehicle isat the approach position than when the vehicle is at the parkedposition.

In some examples, the vehicle restraint is configurable selectively to astored configuration and an operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint includes a vehicle restraint componenthaving an elevation relative to ground that is higher when the vehiclerestraint is in the stored configuration than when the vehicle restraintis in the operative configuration. In some such examples, the alarmdevice is attached to and movable with the vehicle restraint component.

In some examples, the vehicle restraint is configurable selectively to astored configuration and an operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint includes a vehicle restraint housinghaving an elevation relative to ground that is higher when the vehiclerestraint is in the stored configuration than when the vehicle restraintis in the operative configuration. In some such examples, the vehiclerestraint housing is to shelter the electrical component of the vehiclerestraint. In some such examples, the alarm device is attached to andmovable with the vehicle restraint housing.

In some examples, the vehicle restraint is configurable selectively to astored configuration and an operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint is disengaged from the vehicle when thevehicle restraint is in the stored configuration. In some such examples,the vehicle restraint is to engage and restrain the vehicle when thevehicle restraint is in the operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the safety system includes a signal device to emit selectivelya generally red light and a generally green light. In some suchexamples, the generally green light is to indicate the vehicle restraintis in the stored configuration and the generally red light is toindicate the vehicle restraint is in the operative configuration. Insome such examples, a first enclosure housing the signal device. In somesuch examples, a second enclosure houses the alarm device. In some suchexamples, the second enclosure is spaced apart from the first enclosure.In some such examples, the first enclosure is at an elevation relativeto ground that is higher than an elevation of the second enclosure.

In some examples, the sensor is electrically wired to the signal device,and the sensor is closer to the signal device than to the alarm device.

In some examples, the alarm device is closer to the vehicle restraintthan to the sensor.

In some examples, a safety system includes a touchless sensor installedat the loading dock. In some such examples, the touchless sensorprovides a feedback signal in response to sensing the vehicle. In somesuch examples, an alarm device is spaced apart from the wall and ismounted at a lower elevation than that of the doorway. In some suchexamples, an alarm signal is emitted by the alarm device in response tothe feedback signal.

In some examples, a vehicle restraint is installed at the loading dock.In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is configured selectivelyto a stored configuration and an operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint is disengaged from the wheel when thevehicle restraint is in the stored configuration. In some such examples,the vehicle restraint is to engage the wheel when the vehicle restraintis in the operative configuration. In some such examples, the alarmdevice is electrically wired to the vehicle restraint.

In some examples, a vehicle restraint is installed at the loading dock.In some such examples, the vehicle restraint is configured selectivelyto a stored configuration and an operative configuration. In some suchexamples, the vehicle restraint is disengaged from the wheel when thevehicle restraint is in the stored configuration. In some such examples,the vehicle restraint engages the wheel when the vehicle restraint is inthe operative configuration. In some such examples, the alarm device iscloser to the vehicle restraint than to the touchless sensor.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been described herein, the scope of the coverage of this patent isnot limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe appended claims either literally or under the doctrine ofequivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A safety system for a loading dock thatincludes a vehicle restraint adapted to engage a vehicle parked at theloading dock, the vehicle restraint having an electrical component, thesafety system comprising: a first sensor installable at the loading dockto sense the vehicle approaching the loading dock and to provide afeedback signal in response to sensing the vehicle; an alarm device tobe electrically wired to the electrical component of the vehiclerestraint, the alarm device being configured to receive the feedbacksignal from the first sensor; an alarm signal emitted by the alarmdevice in response to the feedback signal to warn a pedestrian in a pathof the approaching vehicle detected by the first sensor; a second sensorinstallable at the loading dock, the second sensor to sense and generatea feedback signal representative of the vehicle restraint being in anoperative configuration to restrict movement of the vehicle relative tothe loading dock and a stored configuration to allow movement of thevehicle relative to the loading dock; and a signal device installable atthe loading dock and being positioned at a remote location from thealarm device, the signal device to receive the feedback signal from thesecond sensor and to generate an output visible to a driver of thevehicle corresponding to a status of the vehicle restraint sensed by thesecond sensor.
 2. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the alarm deviceis movable selectively to a raised position and a lowered positionrelative to a wall of the loading dock.
 3. The safety system of claim 1,wherein the alarm device is movable selectively to a raised position anda lowered position relative to the first sensor.
 4. The safety system ofclaim 1, wherein the vehicle restraint is to engage and restrain thevehicle when the vehicle restraint is in the operative configuration. 5.The safety system of claim 1, wherein the alarm signal is a graphicaldisplay.
 6. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the alarm deviceincludes a light-emitting diode having sufficient mechanical shockresistance to withstand a mechanical shock produced by the vehiclerestraint when engaging and disengaging the vehicle.
 7. The safetysystem of claim 1, further comprising a dock leveler at a doorway of theloading dock, the dock leveler comprising a dock leveler frame that issubstantially stationary and a deck pivotally coupled to the dockleveler frame, the alarm device being attached to the dock levelerframe.
 8. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the alarm device isattached to the vehicle restraint.
 9. The safety system of claim 1,wherein the alarm device is electrically coupled to the vehiclerestraint.
 10. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle ismovable in a rearward direction from an approach position to a parkedposition, the vehicle being closer to a wall of the loading dock whenthe vehicle is in the parked position than when the vehicle is in theapproach position, the alarm device being at a higher elevation when thevehicle is at the approach position than when the vehicle is at theparked position.
 11. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the vehiclerestraint includes a vehicle restraint component having an elevationrelative to ground that is higher when the vehicle restraint is in thestored configuration than when the vehicle restraint is in the operativeconfiguration, the alarm device being attached to and movable with thevehicle restraint component.
 12. The safety system of claim 1, whereinthe vehicle restraint includes a vehicle restraint housing having anelevation relative to ground that is higher when the vehicle restraintis in the stored configuration than when the vehicle restraint is in theoperative configuration, the vehicle restraint housing to shelter theelectrical component of the vehicle restraint, the alarm device beingattached to and movable with the vehicle restraint housing.
 13. Thesafety system of claim 1, wherein the signal device is to emitselectively a green light to indicate the vehicle restraint is in thestored configuration and a red light to indicate the vehicle restraintis in the operative configuration.
 14. The safety system of claim 13,wherein the first sensor is electrically wired to the signal device, andthe first sensor is closer to the signal device than to the alarmdevice.
 15. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the alarm device iscloser to the vehicle restraint than to the first sensor.
 16. The safetysystem of claim 1, wherein the signal device is to be mounted at theloading dock at an elevation that is greater than the elevation of thealarm device and outside a perimeter defined by a first lateral edge anda second lateral edge of a doorway of the loading dock.
 17. The safetysystem of claim 1, the safety system further including: a firstenclosure housing the signal device; and a second enclosure housing thealarm device, the second enclosure being spaced apart from the firstenclosure, and the first enclosure being higher than the secondenclosure.